School-Based Health Care

School-Based Telehealth Program

The School-Based Telehealth program brings advanced health care to children in the school setting.

Long travel distances, missed school days, and missed work days for parents are barriers to accessing healthcare for many rural or medically underserved children. The School-Based Telehealth Program seeks to improve the availability of health care to underserved children across SC. The program improves access to acute sick care, chronic disease management and mental health services by bringing the care to the children.

How does it work?

Care is delivered in the school setting through a telehealth connection between the healthcare provider and the school nurse. Telehealth equipment includes a full exam camera, telemedicine-enabled stethoscopes and otoscopes, and video conference. School-based telehealth services include stable sick care and chronic disease management for conditions like asthma.

The provider examines the patient through high definition visual and audio equipment with the assistance of the school nurse, and will be able to choose a treatment plan and prescribe medication. Parental consent is given beforehand, and parents/guardians will be invited to participate in the appointment by phone. Follow up notes are sent to the child’s primary care provider for their records and further coordination of care.

What are the benefits of this program?

Fewer missed school days for students and missed work days for parents

Parent Information

How does it work?

The school nurse will call you before your child’s telehealth appointment. Your child will be seen by a pediatrician or nurse practitioner using video conference equipment. If your doctor thinks a prescription medicine is needed, it will be called into a local pharmacy or delivered to the school when prescription is filled by FHC pharmacy. A note will be sent to your child’s regular doctor.

What are the benefits of telehealth?

Your child will avoid missing school for many illnesses if treated sooner.

You do not have to take time off from work to visit a doctor’s office.

You can attend the visit over the phone or in-person.

How do I sign up?

Complete the forms and return to your school nurse.

Does my insurance cover the cost?

South Carolina Medicaid covers the visits. Benefits vary with other insurance companies, and will need to be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us if you have questions.